Tour

Former Baker University Center

Location and Current Use

The former Baker University Center is located in the North Green, at coordinates H-3 on the campus map. It is marked as # 32 on the map.

The former Baker University Center has been replaced by the new Baker University Center. The offices in the former Baker University Center were moved into the new Baker University Center during November and December, 2006, while construction was being completed.

The former Baker University Center is out of service, pending renovation.

History of Building

Baker University Center was completed in 1953. The Georgian Revival building contains six floors, with an eight lane bowling center, game room , ball room, 1804 lounge and 1954 lounge. It also has a dining room and many administrative offices.

When the center was proposed in 1946, students agreed to an assessment of five dollars each semester to help fund the project. The faculty, impressed by the students dedication, agreed to the same levy.

John Calhoun Baker

Baker University Center is named in honor of John Calhoun Baker, the fourteenth president of Ohio University, serving from 1945 through 1961. He was educated at Juniata College and Harvard University. Under his guidance regional campuses were created, an extensive Nigerian educational program was established. Many new programs, scholarships and committees were established. The Ohio University Fund (now Foundation) was established to foster private giving and the John C. Baker Fund to support faculty improvement and research efforts. During his tenure numerous buildings, including most of the residence halls were built. Upon retirement he continued to pursue his interests in educational business and international affairs. In 1995 he returned to the campus for a gala celebration of his 100th birthday. He died in 1999.

Tour

Dick Piccard revised this file (http://www.ohiou.edu/athens/bldgs/baker.html) on September 13, 2008.

Ohio University
Athens, OH 45701
(740) 593-1000
webteam@ohio.edu Copyright © 2008 Ohio University.
All Rights Reserved.